your league president, jim rightenour, mayor of modesto, who we see on the screen here, could not be with us today. so they called in the second string. jim had some recent health issues, but by all accounts he's doing very well. he's back at home and i'm waiting for him to pick up his blackberry so we can start texting again. let's keep him in our thoughts and prayers, though, as we work together during the next three days. now, won't you please join me again in thanking today's opening ceremony's participants including the san francisco police department color guard and byron pope from beverly hills. we have a great city clerk from mountain view but she doesn't sing like birom. let's give it up for them both. your annual conference is a critical time for our entire league to come together, learn, and celebrate this year's accomplishments as we plan ahead for the coming year. cities are the cornerstone of our great state, and this year's conference theme is, cities standing strong for cities. we are stronger individually when we are strong collectively, and that is precisely why your